Wright Bros. 1948-1959 Recipients

1959
WILLIAM P. MACCRACKEN, JR.
A pioneer in aviation legislation, he has been a driving influence in the evolution of the air and has, throughout his life, worked with great vision and ability in providing a sound legal foundation for the development of civil and commercial aviation in America. His long period of unselfish service is truly significant and of enduring value to aviation. His notable contributions fully qualify him for the award of the Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy.

1958
DR. JOHN FREDERICK VICTORY
In the building of the organization (NACA) that was selected to be the nucleus of the new National Aeronautics and Space Administration, he has exerted a driving influence to advance the progress of aeronautics in America and to promote the public interest. This he has done quietly and effectively with, at times, extraordinary courage, vision, and ability. His long record of unselfish service as a civilian to aeronautics is indeed significant and is of enduring value to aviation.

1957
SENATOR STUART SYMINGTON
For significant public service of enduring value to aviation in the United States. Based upon his distinguished career of pubic service in the field of aviation, a career that began early in 1941. His belief in aviation, the energy and perseverance with which he has consistently fought for air power objectives, his high statesmanship, and his outstanding public service all combine to make him a most deserving recipient of the trophy.

1956
DR. EDWARD P. WARNER
For continuous achievements over a broad range of aviation since 1917.

1955
DR. HUGH L. DRYDEN
For his pioneering work in the field of supersonic research. His studies of turbulence in wind tunnels and of the mechanics of air flow within the boundary layer made contributions of enduring value to aviation in the United States. He has had a distinguished career devoted entirely to the public service.

1954
DR. THEODORE VON KARMAN
For laying the groundwork for the development of supersonic aircraft and guided missiles. No other man has had a greater influence on the development of high speed aircraft in the United States.

1953
THE HONORABLE CARL HINSHAW
For his service as a Member of the House of Representatives in fostering the sound and consistent growth of aviation in all its forms, so that it might become a deterrent to war and that it might increasingly become an important carrier of the people and the commerce of the world.

1952
LT GEN JAMES H. DOOLITTLE, USAF
For his service in a civilian capacity which contributed to the progress of American aviation, dating back to his 1924 graduation from M.I.T. with an aeronautical engineering degree. For development of fog-flying equipment and making the first successful flight, including takeoff and landing, while in a completely covered cockpit of an airplane. He organized AFA and was the first president of that organization.

1951
DR. JEROME C. HUNSAKER
For his long career in public service in the field of aviation dating back to 1913. He established the first course of instruction for aeronautical engineers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology and also designed and built a pioneer wind tunnel for educational and research purposes. He was a founder and first president of the Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences. He has been chairman of NACA continuously from 1941 to present.

1950
GROVER LOENING
Who, over a period of more than 40 years, has served aviation as a student, a pilot, an engineer, a manufacturer, an author, a consultant, and an advisor.

1949
CHARLES A. LINDBERGH (Speech Transcript)
For his long and selfless career in aviation.

1948
DR. WILLIAM F. DURAND
Dean of American Aeronautical engineers who developed the basic theories for aircraft propeller design and primary force in the establishment of the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics.